1 Before you use it
What it is
Step over four canes laid in a cross, clockwise then anticlockwise, as fast as safely possible. Forward, sideways and backward stepping in one timed task.
When to reach for it
When you want multidirectional dynamic stepping rather than straight-line walking — chronic ankle instability, and older adults with knee OA where turning and side-stepping is the reported problem.
Patterns it serves · 2
2 Giving it
Scoring
Time the fastest of two successful trials. A trial is void if they touch a cane or lose the sequence.
What it doesn’t measure
Isolate a limb, or capture reactive/unplanned demand.
3 Reading the score
Interpreting it
**A cut-point around 15 seconds is commonly cited for increased falls risk in older adults.
Is the change real?
Student trap. Setting the canes up differently each time. The layout is the test.
Official source: apta.org. We don't host the form.
This is a learning tool. It does not diagnose patients and does not replace your clinical educator.
Did this page do its job?
CliniStudy is in beta. One tap is enough — it decides what gets fixed first.